Welcome to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s free wildlife information service. WildLine is aimed at answering wildlife queries from the public and providing help with naming plants and animals that you may have seen.

• Why do hedgehogs hibernate?
• What is this ladybird I’ve seen in my garden?
• How can I improve my pond to encourage frogs?

These are all questions that WildLine could answer for you!

You can submit a query to Wild Line 24/7. We will then conduct research on the given topic, before contacting you with an answer to your question. To increase the awareness and advertise the WildLine service, why not print our poster and put it up in your workplace or somewhere in your village?

01489 - 774446

wildline@hwt.org.uk

Wildlife in your garden? . . .

To keep an accurate record of the wildlife found throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight we need to collect data from around the counties. You can help our species groups collect this information by letting the us know what wildlife is in your garden. We have designed some easy to use guides to identify common mammals, reptiles and amphibians that you may find in your gardens and local area.

Wildlife in your garden?...Mammals pdf
Wildlife in your garden?...Amphibians & Reptiles pdf
Wildlife in your garden? …How to help pdf

We need your wildlife records, so please use the guides and let us know what you see!

Species Information & Fact Sheets

WildLine has access to a wide range of resources, including specially designed fact sheets, a selection of which are available to download below. Please contact us for information and advice on subjects or species not listed.

Species factsheet - Hazel Dormouse
An identification guide for snakes in your garden - What reptile is it?
Your guide to nest boxes
Your guide to insect hotels
Getting involved - a guide to Hampshire based species & conservation groups

WildLine Question of the Month

How can I encourage butterflies in to my garden?

Hampshire is host to 46 species of butterfly, many of which will be garden visitors during this time of year, and especially on hot sunny days. Fragmentation of natural habitats across Hampshire has led to a decline in many species, and so creating a butterfly friendly garden is all the more important.

Butterflies visit gardens in search of flower nectar which is an instant energy boost, and also to shelter and rest. They are important pollinators, and their presence is an indicator for a healthy environment. An easy way to encourage butterflies into your garden is to introduce plants that are attractive to butterflies; this could include lavender, Michealmas daisy, buddleia, marjoram and field scabious. If your garden can accommodate it, a wild area will also entice butterflies, with plants such as mint, thistles, nettles, knapweed and fleabane.

Further information can be found in our ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ factsheets – please contact WildLine for details.

View previous WildLine questions of the month by clicking here